Washington, D.C.-Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a public lands package that preserves America’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. The package includes a provision to honor labor and environment leader César Chavéz, as well as a landmark wilderness bill that will protect Washington State’s Wild Sky Wilderness.

"The Wild Sky country is home to wildlife, trout and salmon streams, and old-growth forest,” said Sierra Club representative Myke Bybee. “The vast majority of our public lands are already open for development of some kind. Wilderness protection ensures that families will be able to hike, camp and fish here for generations to come."

A Wilderness designation affords some of the strongest protection Congress can provide to public lands. Wild Sky Wilderness will be the first new national forest wilderness area created in forest-rich Washington State in more than two decades.

The César E. Chavéz Study ActThe César E. Chavéz Study Act, sponsored by Representative Hilda L. Solis (D-Calif.) and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), authorizes the U.S. Department of Interior to study significant lands in Chavéz’s life for inclusion in the National Parks system.

"César E. Chavéz’ courageous life has inspired many to continue the fight for environmental justice so our children and families have a stronger, healthier future," said Isabel M. Long, Associate Representative for Latino Programs. "To have the National Park Service trace landmarks significant to his life is a fitting honor to Chavéz."

The 387 units of the National Park System - including well-known places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Everglades, Mesa Verde and the Great Smoky Mountains - are truly symbols of America. Our National Parks encompass breathtaking landscapes, spectacular geologic features and historic landmarks. They are beloved destinations where millions of American families choose to visit year after year. Despite the close connection between Latinos and the environment, there is not currently a single park unit dedicated to a Latino.